Jamie-Lee Mason (School Principal)

"From the age of three, I remember always going to dance lessons with my mum. With my dad being a Musical Director and my mum a professional singer, I guess showbiz was in my blood! I don't think at that age I knew how much of a huge impact those dance lessons would have on my life. It was just routine, the norm, and I loved it. As the years went by, I knew it had become more than just a hobby and aged nine I won a scholarship to Stonelands School of Ballet in Hove. The seven years I spent there laid the foundations for my future career. I ate, slept and breathed dance - particularly ballet - and my passion grew. At sixteen, I won a full scholarship to Doreen Bird college in London. I spent three years in intensive training - ready to take on the competitive world ahead. I was very fortunate after leaving college and secured many professional contracts in the West End and on tour (both uk and European). Professional credits include; 'Oliver!', 'Scrooge', 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers', 'Guys and Dolls', 'Aladdin', 'Four's company at the Movies' and 'Anything Goes'. After six years of working professionally, my career took a different path as a dance & musical theatre teacher. I have trained with the ISTD to become a qualified teacher and I'm continuing my training - with tutors from the Royal Ballet School - so that one day I'll become a classical ballet examiner. I've had many years experience teaching and have found it a rewarding adventure. I know that not every child I teach will want to perform professionally, but I can honestly say that every child I have taught stands a little taller and speaks a little clearer. And for those that do have a dream, I'll be with them every step to see them achieve it."